These days veganism and vegetarianism are taking center stage. More and more people are adapting to these diets due to the fact that they are environmentally friendly, healthy and kind to animals.

However, if you ask most meat eaters what’s holding them back from converting, they are likely to say it’s the limited food choices. Admittedly, when you eliminate animal-based food from your diet, there’s a lot less to choose from.

In response, chefs are getting innovative and there are a lot of food products made to imitate the taste of meat. Cauliflower is a popular vegetarian food, but is it versatile enough to mimic the taste of a steak? Sounds iffy, but yet, here is a recipe for baked cauliflower steak. Check it out and see if it’s enough to get you to switch.

Recipe for Baked Cauliflower Steak

Ingredients:

·         1 large head of cauliflower sliced lengthwise into four ‘steaks’

·         ¼ cup olive oil

·         1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice

·         2 cloves garlic, minced

·         1 pinch red pepper flakes to taste

·         Salt and ground pepper to taste

Directions:

1.       Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line the baking sheet with parchment paper.

2.       Place steaks on a sheet.

3.       Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper together in a bowl. Brush ½ of mixture on to the steaks

4.       Roast cauliflower steaks in the oven for 15 minutes. Gently turn over and brush with additional mixture 15 to 20 minutes more, until tender and golden.

Cauliflower Health Benefits

Not only is this recipe for baked cauliflower steak a great way to enjoy a steak meal without indulging in meat, it’s extremely healthy. Here are some of the benefits cauliflower can provide.

·         Fiber

·         Vitamin C

·         Vitamin K

·         Vitamin B6

·         Folate

·         Pantothenic acid

·         Manganese

·         Magnesium

·         Phosphorus

High in Fiber: Because cauliflower is high in fiber, it is good for digestion. It also makes you feel full so you aren’t tempted to eat between meals making it great for weight management.

Rich in Antioxidants: Cauliflower is rich in vitamin C which is classified as an antioxidant. Therefore, it helps protect the body from oxidative stress and inflammation, and it can reduce the risk of disease.

High in Choline: Cauliflower is high in choline, a nutrient that plays an essential role in many of the body’s functions. It is involved in brain development and the production of neurotransmitters that are essential to the nervous system. It also prevents cholesterol from developing in the liver.

Rich in Sulforaphane: Sulforaphane is an antioxidant which has been shown to be effective in preventing several types of cancer.

Low Carb Alternative to Grains and Legumes: Cauliflower can make up for the nutrients in grains and legumes offering a low carb alternative.

It’s Extremely Versatile: With new vegetarian and vegan recipes coming out all the time, cauliflower is being introduced as an alternative to pizza crust, rice, hummus, tortillas, mac n’ cheese and now steak. Try it in your favorite recipes for a healthy alternative to the foods you love to eat.

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Photo by Eric Prouzet on Unsplash